I Love Working as a Waitress

I'm working a lot, and I'm doing really well. I'm truly happy and proud of myself. I'm becoming a better and better waitress at the Merè restaurant. The exciting part is that I've learned how to make coffee—and my coffee is very good. I couldn't do it before because the espresso machine at our bar is big and heavy. But Carla, who owns the restaurant, explained it to me carefully. The main thing is you have to be strong to make coffee. I made my first two coffees for my parents when they came to eat at Merè for Father's Day. I got emotional and was so happy that I set the table, brought the plates, then the coffee and cake, and then cleared everything really well. I do all these things at every table. That's how it works. When people come in and sit down, I set their place. I bring everything they need to eat, including glasses and napkins. Then Carla takes their order. When the plates are ready, someone calls me from the kitchen and I bring them to the table. Sometimes the people eating ask me to bring bread or focaccia or water. And I move fast. If they ask, I show them where the bathroom is—it's really nice. When people finish eating, they ask for the bill or go to the register to pay. I wait for them to leave so I can clear the table. I go with a tray. Sometimes two trays. I put plates, silverware, and glasses on them. The receipts I put in the front pocket of my apron and throw away at the end. Loretta calls me "kangaroo." If I need to, I can make fresh orange juice and load the plates, silverware, and glasses into the dishwasher. Then when it's done I take everything out and rinse it under water and dry it and put it away. I love this job so much. I start at ten and finish at three, Monday through Friday. I really like it when the customers leave and we all eat together at the table. I hope to keep working a lot at Merè because it's wonderful, I have fun, I learn new things. And I always tie my hair back when I'm working.